?Chapter 544:


    Connor chuckled at Bu’s frustration. “Your younger brother is a student of ck Mallow. Why don’t you ask him instead of my bodyguards?”


    Bu replied with a sense of helplessness, “I can’t get any information from Xander. He might appear as carefree as ever, but he’s changed. He’s be lofty and unyielding since training with ck Mallow. No matter what I try, he refuses to divulge anything.”


    A migraine began to form as Bu sighed deeply. “To him, ck Mallow is now the most important person. I rank lower than her. If it came to a conflict, he would side with her without a second thought about our brotherhood.”


    The irritation was palpable as Bu continued, his voice tense. “I never thought the day woulde when he’d turn against me for someone else. I’ve thought about confronting him physically to change his mind, but I can’t bring myself to do it. I can’t just break his legs or worse, can I?”


    Connorughed, not at Bu’s plight but at the influence of his vige girl. Mare and Terry had proudly dered themselves her fans, and Connor was amazed that Xander, previously so haughty and bold, was now utterly devoted to her.


    Misunderstanding the reason for Connor’sughter, Bu felt slighted. “Stopughing at me, will you? You’veughed enough at my expense today.”


    Connor, unable to exin that his amusement stemmed from thoughts of Marissa, simply subdued his smile and responded, “It wouldn’t make sense to call Mare and Terry here for you to question them about ck Mallow.”


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    “Why not?” Bu pressed. “I’m not going to harm them. What are you afraid of?”


    “Nothing,” Connor replied. “It’s just futile. If you couldn’t get an answer from Xander, you won’t from Mare and Terry either.”


    After a brief pause, he added, “You couldn’t bring yourself to harm your brother, so why think you could force my bodyguards to betray ck Mallow? Don’t waste your time. They’d rather die than tell you the truth.”


    Bu looked puzzled. “Why are you so sure?”


    Connor sighed. “Bu, you’re known for your wisdom and courage. I didn’t expect such a naive question from you. Doomsday Base is a forge for warriors. Your brother transformed there, as did Mare and Terry, who were top trainees.


    Do you think they’d be less loyal than Xander? Also, they’re die-hard fans of ck Mallow. They would never betray her under any pressure you could apply.”


    Bu sighed deeply. “Is ck Mallow really that charismatic?”


    Bu gazed at Connor intently. “Connor, I have no intention of dering war against ck Mallow. I want to negotiate with her before any conflict arises. If rissa owes them money, I’m ready to settle her debts.


    Whatever the grievances, I’ll handle them on rissa’s behalf. It doesn’t matter if Mare and Terry are reluctant to reveal who ck Mallow is. Please call them over. I’ll exin my intentions and ask them to convey my message to her.”


    Connor responded, still amused, “Why not have Xander ry your message? Why involve my bodyguards?”


    Bu let out a weary sigh. “Before I came here, I had an argument with Xander. He dismissed the idea, saying the chief instructor wouldn’t consider negotiating with me. He told me it was a matter between Doomsday Base and Peridot Consortium and that I should stay out of it as an outsider.”


    Anger shed in Bu’s eyes as he clenched his jaw. “That damn Xander! Just seeing him makes me want to punch him.”


    Connor chuckled and shrugged. “If Xander was reluctant to pass on your message, I doubt Mare and Terry will be any different. Have you wondered why they are so resolute?”


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